India (Commonwealth Union)_ Today, India celebrated its 79th Independence Day with patriotic fervor and a renewed national spirit, marking the historic day in 1947 when the country broke free from nearly two centuries of British colonial rule. Accordingly, citizens gathered in towns and villages to remember the country’s liberation warriors and reflect on its development since independence. As the sun rose over the city, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Delhi‘s iconic Red Fort, carrying on a tradition dating back to India’s inaugural Independence Day celebrations.
At around 7:30 am, PM Modi inspected the Guard of Honor and then hoisted the Indian national flag, the Tricolour, amid a backdrop of vivid cultural exhibitions and patriotic singing. Cabinet ministers, top defense officials, celebrities, and members of the public were among the thousands who attended the event at the historic location. The Prime Minister’s arrival was met with cheers and chants of “Jai Hind” as he stepped onto the ramparts of the Red Fort for his 12th consecutive Independence Day address to the nation.
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A grand celebration at the Red Fort
Wearing a saffron turban, a signature of his annual Independence Day appearances, paired with a white kurta-churidar, a saffron Nehru jacket, and a tricolor stole, Prime Minister Modi struck a blend of tradition and symbolism. He began his speech by paying homage to the heroes of India’s freedom movement and the spirit of unity that binds the country’s 140 crore citizens. In his 103-minute speech, the longest Independence Day address by any Indian Prime Minister, Modi outlined his government’s roadmap for the coming decade. He spoke about development, self-reliance, defense readiness, and technological progress, while also addressing national security and economic reforms.
Major announcements
- The Prime Minister’s speech included many policy announcements, patriotic feelings, and a vision for the future. He strongly highlighted India’s goal of achieving a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047, which marks 100 years of independence.
- The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgaar Yojna, with a budget of ₹1 lakh crore, aims to create a large number of jobs, especially for first-time job seekers. The government plans to offer a ₹15,000 incentive to new private-sector workers to encourage their early employment and skill development.
- Modi also announced the Sudarshan Chakra Mission, a major national military program inspired by Lord Krishna’s legendary weapon. The mission would concentrate on improving India’s national security shield by providing modern military systems to deter and respond to foreign attacks.
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A push for self-reliance
- Reiterating the mantra of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of reducing dependency on foreign systems, whether in agriculture, manufacturing, defense, or technology.
- He stressed that India would move ahead “on mission mode” to produce indigenous semiconductor chips, with the first batch expected to hit the market by the end of the year. Modi emphasized the strategic importance of this sector, claiming that it is critical to India’s economic independence and digital sovereignty.
- Similarly, he called for accelerating the development of homegrown fighter jet engines, stating it was time for India to become fully self-reliant in critical defense capabilities.
New missions for the nation
In addition to employment and defense, Modi announced two more major missions:
- The National Deep Water Exploration Mission aims to locate and extract oil and gas reserves beneath the sea, thereby contributing to India’s push for energy independence.
- High-Powered Demography Mission, which the Prime Minister said is necessary to counter “a conspiracy” aimed at disturbing India’s demographic balance. While details were limited, Modi presented the mission as critical to national security and future planning.
- On the economic front, he pledged a “big Diwali gift” in the shape of next-generation GST changes, which aim to streamline the tax system and reduce the burden on both consumers and companies.
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Digital growth and international leadership
Praising India’s digital transformation, Modi spoke proudly of the global recognition of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). He said that the system had “surprised the world” with its adoption rate, speed, and scale, calling it a symbol of India’s leadership in the digital economy. He also discussed India’s expanding global influence and its commitment to fostering peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Farmers and the Indus water dispute
Sending a strong message on agriculture, Modi assured the nation that his government would always stand by Indian farmers. He made a pointed remark about the Indus Water Treaty, calling it “one-sided” and declaring that India’s farmers deserved rightful access to river waters. “Our land was left dry while water irrigated the enemy’s soil. That ends now,” he asserted.
Honoring Operation Sindoor and Emergency Memories
PM Modi also referenced Operation Sindoor, launched after the April 22 Pahalgam massacre. He saluted the security forces who avenged the attacks and protected the nation from further terror threats. He described the operation as an expression of national outrage and justice. Recalling the dark chapter of the Emergency imposed in 1975, Modi urged the younger generation to never forget that time when India’s democracy was suppressed. “The Constitution was strangled and betrayed. This country was turned into a prison. We must remember this as we renew our commitment to democratic values,” he said.
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National and global tributes
- Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tribute to India’s freedom fighters, acknowledging their “ultimate sacrifices” and encouraging citizens to uphold the values of independence.
- Delhi’s new Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, led the official celebrations in the capital by hoisting the national flag, joined by state officials, security personnel, and residents.
- At Raj Ghat, Prime Minister Modi paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi before heading to the Red Fort.
- President Droupadi Murmu also marked the occasion by conferring several prestigious honors on Indian Air Force personnel. The list included:
- 4 Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals
- 5 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals
- 9 Vir Chakras
- 1 Shaurya Chakra
- 13 Yudh Seva Medals
- 26 Vayu Sena Medals for Gallantry
- 162 Mentions-in-Despatches for Operation Sindoor
- 5 additional Mentions-in-Despatches under various categories
These awards recognized the courage and devotion of India’s military personnel in both combat and humanitarian operations.
Greetings from around the world
- Diplomatic missions across India and Indian embassies worldwide extended greetings to mark the occasion. Foreign Minister of Singapore Vivian Balakrishnan congratulated India and celebrated 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
- The French Embassy posted a lighthearted video featuring French staff sharing their love for Indian culture and cuisine.
- The US Embassy in New Delhi also joined in, posting, “Happy Independence Day, India! The United States celebrates with you and looks forward to deepening our partnership.”
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a formal statement applauding India’s achievements and reaffirming the commitment to a “free and secure Indo-Pacific.”
- The Indian Embassy in Tokyo, along with other diplomatic outposts, similarly marked the day with cultural programs and public messages.
Security in the capital and beyond
Given the scale of the celebrations, particularly around the Red Fort, elaborate security arrangements were in place. Multiple layers of security involving the Delhi Police, paramilitary forces, and drone surveillance ensured that the event unfolded without incident. Public access to the venue was closely regulated, and police issued specific guidelines for attendees. Across the city, and in other major metros, important landmarks and monuments were illuminated in the national colors, saffron, white, and green, creating a vibrant and unified atmosphere.
This year’s theme, Naya Bharat, reflected the nation’s ongoing journey toward the government’s goal of making India a fully developed country by 2047. From the smallest village to the largest metropolis, Independence Day was celebrated with parades, flag-hoisting ceremonies, and cultural performances, a nationwide reminder of India’s rich heritage and promising future. As the sun set on August 15, 2025, India stood united once again, not only in memory of its past but also in determination to shape its future.
